Capistrano Valley Beats Dana Hills to Share First

Capistrano Valley again did a so-so job of shooting free throws, but the Cougars grabbed an early cushion and tied up the South Coast League boys’ basketball race with a 59-50 victory over visiting Dana Hills Wednesday.

Center Josh Garrett (24 points, 19 rebounds), guard Mike Stowell (13 points, 13 rebounds, four assists) and guard Jermaine McDaniel (12 points, six rebounds) led Capistrano Valley (16-6, 5-2). The Cougars made only 17 of 28 free throws, but used six of 10 in the final minute to seal the win.

Capistrano Valley led by as many as 14 points in the second half, but Dana Hills (12-11, 5-2) trapped and fouled for the ball in the final three minutes. It was 55-50, with 40 seconds left after Johnny Shields’ three-point basket, but two free throws each by Garrett and McDaniel sank the Dolphins.

“We do a lot of hanging on in games where we get early leads because we haven’t done a good job of making free throws,” Capistrano Valley Coach Brian Mulligan said. “That was very important tonight to get those free throws, and I thought our rebounding all night was outstanding.”

Capistrano Valley held a 57-30 advantage on the boards.

Larry Page scored 15 points and Tim McKee, who sat out a large portion of the first half in foul trouble, scored 13 for Dana Hills.

Dana Hills went with shifting 1-2-2 and 2-3 zone offenses. The first time the teams played, Capistrano Valley had difficulty breaking the Dolphins’ zones and Dana Hills won, 62-46. This time, the Cougars attacked from the top of the key, not the perimeter.

“It was a trapping zone and we didn’t do a good job of stopping the ball,” Dana Hills Coach Mark Thornton said. “They’re really quick and we dug ourselves a hole and couldn’t get back.”